In a thrilling NCAA Tournament match, the Michigan Wolverines basketball team clawed their way to the Sweet 16 with a decisive 91-79 victory over Texas A&M on March 22, 2025. A year after finishing with a 24-loss season, the Wolverines showcased a stunning turnaround thanks to the efforts of Roddy Gayle and a formidable presence on the boards.
Roddy Gayle, the star of the game, netted 21 of his season-high 26 points during a commanding second half. His contributions were pivotal in turning the tide as Michigan overcame a 10-point deficit that had them trailing early. The Wolverines capitalized on their rebounding supremacy, pulling down 16 offensive boards compared to the Aggies' 15 and dominating overall rebounds 48-39.
Vladislav Goldin, another key player for Michigan, delivered a stellar performance with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Goldin, who transferred from Florida Atlantic University with Coach Dusty May, credited the team’s mindset for their success against a powerful Texas A&M squad. “Just a mindset,” Goldin said. “If we know what they do, we will have to adjust it and have the same physicality.”
Despite Texas A&M's Pharrel Payne leading his team with 26 points on an impressive 10-of-13 shooting performance, the Wolverines managed to keep him quiet towards the end of the game, ensuring he did not score after putting the Aggies ahead 65-61 with 9:59 left on the clock. Goldin explained, “It’s hard to shut someone down completely, and he’s obviously a great player. And we just decided we would have to make him finish tough shots.”
The Wolverines' dominance on the defensive side was evident, particularly as Texas A&M struggled in the final moments of the game, missing eight of their last nine shot attempts. Michigan closed out the game on a remarkable 9-0 run after Zhuric Phelps clipped the Aggies to within 82-79 with 1:29 remaining on the clock.
Coach Buzz Williams of Texas A&M expressed frustration after the game, highlighting issues with his team’s execution, especially with fouls and missed shots. “We are dependent on shooting more balls from the field and from the free-throw line,” said Williams. “And so to allow them in the bonus so quickly both halves goes against us.”
As the Wolverines prepare to move on to Atlanta to face Auburn, they find themselves riding the momentum of a successful Big Ten tournament run, having now won five games in just nine days. Gayle reflected on the team’s chemistry and their journey, acknowledging that their experiences had strengthened their bond. “It’s an amazing feeling, especially all that we’ve been through. I feel like we’re clicking at the right time.”
The transformation of the Wolverines is stark: from an 8-24 season under former coach Juwan Howard to their recent resurgence reflects not just improved performance but also a new team spirit. Goldin emphasized this change, noting, “I chose to be here because of the relationship we built together.”
As the teams exchanged leads throughout the game, a particular highlight came when Wade Taylor IV of Texas A&M silenced the Michigan crowd briefly with a deep three-pointer that briefly put the Aggies ahead. However, Michigan's resilience showed later, as they outscored Texas A&M 25-9 after Taylor’s moment, solidifying their place in the next round.
The Wolverines are looking to continue their surprising success in the tournament as they gear up to face a tough Auburn squad in the Sweet 16. Their path forward appears bright, as they aim to leverage their cohesion and formidable gameplay strategy.
As March Madness unfolds, all eyes will be on Michigan to see how far they can go in this exhilarating tournament.
